As a language with a rich vocabulary containing many loanwords, English is sensitive to the choice of vocabulary when several
synonyms are available. Words with a Greek or Latin origin are more formal and are predominantly used in academic English.
If we consider an everyday word such as smell, we will discover that there is a range of synonymous words to choose from
depending on the context:

fragrance, aroma, scent, perfume, smell, odour, stench, stink, pong

Here we also have a scale of synonyms (in no specific order of priority) where smell might be considered as neutral in terms of
usage compared to pong which is a very informal word used in British slang (and should be used with discretion). In addition,
we have fragrance, aroma, scent, perfume and odour, stench, and stink. Each of these words can be chosen depending on the
type of text, the context, and the intended audience. In an academic context, stench, stink, and pong would be considered
highly unsuitable. When you read textbooks in your subject, note the use of vocabulary.

Compare the following:

1a) In the study, it was found out that . . .

1b) In the study, it was discovered that . . .

2a) The bacteria were looked into to set up a routine.

2b) The bacteria were investigated to establish a routine.

Examples1b) and 2b) are more academic compared to examples 1a) and 2a).

In the examples of informal and formal usages below, you will note that many of the informal
varieties comprise multi-word verbs. Try to avoid them and find a one-word correspondence.

Informal formal

ask for request, apply

brought up raised

carry on continue

check out determine, study

cut out delete, erase, eradicate

find out discover, determine

get rid of eliminate, eradicate

get together merge, join, congregate

help assist

look into investigate, determine, explore, research

look at observe, study

look up to respect, admire

see observe

set up establish, create, initiate

think about/of consider, contemplate

try to attempt, endeavour, strive

work out calculate, devise, develop

worry about be concerned

wrong incorrect

Compare some further examples:

3a) This was brought up in the discussion section.

3b) This was raised in the discussion section.

4a) The study looked into ways to set up a new model.

4b) The study investigated ways to create/devise a new model.

Use a synonym dictionary or thesaurus to find a formal alternative when selecting a verb,
noun or other part of speech. Choice of vocabulary has an enormous impact on the tone of a text.